Definition

Thymus Gland

Reasons for Procedure

The thymus gland helps immune cell growth. It is usually active when you are an infant, but its function reduces as you get older. The thymus acts abnormally when a person has
myasthenia gravis. A thymectomy is used to treat
myasthenia gravis.

A thymectomy may also be done if the thymus has a tumor, which is called thymoma. These types of tumors are associated with myasthenia gravis.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Bleeding

Infection

Damage to other organs

Nerve injury

Respiratory failure

Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Follow a special diet, which may include withholding foods and fluids before surgery.

Take prescribed medications as directed by your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

Arrange to have someone drive you to and from the procedure.

Ask for help at home after your procedure.

Anesthesia

General
anesthesia will be given—you will be asleep during the procedure

Description of Procedure

There are 3 common methods:

Trans-sternal approach—An incision will be made in the skin over your breastbone. The breastbone will be pulled apart. The thymus gland will then be exposed and removed. The incision will be closed with stitches or staples.

Transcervical approach—A small incision is made across the lower part of the neck, just above the breastbone. The thymus gland will be removed. The incision will be closed with stitches or staples.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or
robot-assisted thoracic procedures—This is a less invasive option. Several tiny incisions are made in the area. A tiny camera will be inserted through one of the incisions. The camera will send images to a monitor in the room. Robotic arms may be used to do the surgery. Special tools will be passed through the remaining incisions to remove the thymus. After the thymus is removed, the incisions will be closed with stitches.

Immediately After Procedure

You will be taken to a recovery room and monitored for any complications.

How Long Will It Take?

About 1-3 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 1-3 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

You will be given fluids and medication through an IV. You will be instructed to practice deep breathing, coughing, and frequent turning. Nurses will measure your muscle strength and breathing ability to determine the effectiveness of the surgery.

Preventing Infection

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding your healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incision

At Home

The recovery time varies from person to person, depending on the surgical approach. It may take as little as 1-2 weeks or as long as three months before you can return to work or school. Follow instructions on wound care to prevent infection. Your doctor may advise medications to ease discomfort.

If the surgery was done for myasthenia gravis:

Improvement in muscle strength may take several months to a few years.

It is important to work with a neurologist during the recovery period to regulate medications.

You may need to work with a physical therapist

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you've been given

Cough, difficulty breathing, or chest pain

Pain, burning, urgency, or frequency of urination, or persistent bleeding in the urine

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References:

General information about thymoma and thymic cancers. National Cancer Institute. Available at:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/thymoma/patient.
Updated March 22, 2013. Accessed May 22, 2013.

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